Understanding the Gram Nyayalayas Act: Challenges and Solutions

Overview of the Gram Nyayalayas Act

The Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008, was established to create village courts aimed at providing affordable and accessible justice to citizens in rural areas. This initiative was launched on Gandhi Jayanti in 2009, focusing on delivering justice at the doorsteps of the populace. The Act aims to eliminate social, economic, or geographical barriers that can impede access to justice.

Key Provisions of the Act

• Establishment of mobile courts at the village level.
• Jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases.
• Simplified procedures to ensure quicker judgments.

Current Funding Status

In the 2025-26 Union Budget, the allocation for Gram Nyayalayas was drastically reduced to ₹2 crore, a significant drop from ₹10 crore in 2024-25. This funding cut has severely affected their functionality and operational capacity.

Operational Challenges

Several operational challenges hinder the effectiveness of Gram Nyayalayas:

• Manpower Shortages: Many states have not appointed adequate Nyayadhikaris (judges), resulting in a shortage of public prosecutors, notaries, and first-class judicial magistrates.
• Limited Functionality: Out of 481 notified Gram Nyayalayas, only 309 are operational across 10 states, with overlapping jurisdictions causing delays in their adoption.
• Financial Constraints: The limited pecuniary jurisdiction restricts the types of cases that can be handled, compounded by state reluctance to provide necessary financial support.
• Community Awareness: There is a general lack of public knowledge regarding the existence and benefits of Gram Nyayalayas, which leads to reduced usage.
• Insufficient Infrastructure: Despite guidelines for funding, most courts lack the necessary resources and infrastructure to operate effectively.

Need for Revival

To address the challenges facing Gram Nyayalayas and ensure their viability, several measures must be taken:

• Increased Funding: Adequate financial support from both the central and state governments is essential for the sustainability of these courts.
• Capacity Building: It is crucial to prioritize the regular appointment of judicial officers and legal professionals to enhance operational efficiency.
• Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives aimed at educating the public on the advantages of Gram Nyayalayas can lead to improved usage and trust in the system.
• Legislative Reforms: Expanding the jurisdiction of Gram Nyayalayas and resolving overlaps with regular courts can significantly enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the Gram Nyayalayas Act?
Answer: The Gram Nyayalayas Act aims to establish village courts that provide affordable and accessible justice to rural populations, addressing barriers to justice.

Q2. Why has funding for Gram Nyayalayas been reduced?
Answer: The recent budget cuts have resulted in a funding decrease from ₹10 crore to ₹2 crore, impacting their operational capabilities and services.

Q3. What challenges do Gram Nyayalayas currently face?
Answer: Key challenges include manpower shortages, limited functionality, financial constraints, community awareness issues, and inadequate infrastructure.

Q4. How can the effectiveness of Gram Nyayalayas be improved?
Answer: Enhancing funding, building capacity through judicial appointments, public awareness campaigns, and legislative reforms can significantly improve their effectiveness.

Q5. Are Gram Nyayalayas operational in all states?
Answer: No, currently, only 309 out of 481 notified Gram Nyayalayas are operational, and they are concentrated in just 10 states.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary objective of the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 2008?
A) To establish mobile courts in cities
B) To provide affordable justice at the village level
C) To increase the number of regular courts
D) To enhance legal education in urban areas
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which of the following is a challenge faced by Gram Nyayalayas?
A) Abundant financial resources
B) Sufficient manpower
C) Limited public awareness
D) Widespread operational capacity
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What was the funding allocation for Gram Nyayalayas in the 2025-26 Union Budget?
A) ₹1 crore
B) ₹5 crore
C) ₹2 crore
D) ₹10 crore
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: How many operational Gram Nyayalayas are currently active?
A) 200
B) 309
C) 481
D) 150
Correct Answer: B